Support for ECF Mentors
The mentor role is pivotal to successful teacher induction. The impact of this programme on ECTs and their wider school community will be maximised where mentors have a clear understanding of the programme structure, and of how the ECF can contribute to ECTs’ progress alongside, and in concert with, statutory induction.
DfE funding is provided to cover time off timetable for mentors who are being trained. This will total 36 hours over two years (10% time off timetable in year 1 and 5% off timetable in year 2).
It is up to the school to appoint a suitable mentor who should have the necessary skills and experience to successfully induct the Early Career Teacher.
As with Early Career Teachers, we appreciate that the mentoring role is an additional one for many teachers, adding pressure on their time and capacity. Our mentoring programme is designed to be flexible and offer alternative routes for mentors to remain engaged. The flexibility of the programme is demonstrated by:
- Our programme being staggered over two years around busier times during the school year.
- Sessions are recorded to allow flexible access.
- Guidance on mentoring practice and support, further freeing up mentors time.
- Module sequences being adapted to meet the needs of the ECT, mentor and school.
UCL Wellbeing Charter
Supporting the wellbeing of all our participants is as important to us as the programme itself. We recognise that teachers and leaders work in very complex environments and need flexibility in how they approach and access their learning. Therefore, we have put together the pledges outlined in this 🔗Wellbeing Charter to support all our participants to make the programme work for them. Please do draw on them when you need to.
ECF Mentor Conferences September 2023
We have reached over 1000 ECF participants over 8 face-to-face events for our Early Career Teachers and their mentors. It has been a privilege to welcome so many colleagues to the Education Exchange to launch the UCL ECF full induction programme with Year 1 participants and delve into the detail of Practitioner Inquiry with our Y2 participants. A huge thank you to all our guest speakers for inspiring us and sharing their insights into teaching and mentoring, and a huge thank you to all our participants for their commitment and dedication to their own professional development. We wish you all the very best of luck for the year ahead!
If you would like to view the slide sets from our September 2023 ECF Mentor welcome conferences, please use the links below to download: